My thoughts …"Netted on the Net"

Now the the worst phase of the man made (to be specific, Communists made, click here #CommieMadeDisaster for what Twitter felt about it) disaster in Kerala, the worst flood of the century, is over and has entered Rehabilitation phase, time to look back at possible lessons (that we will still not learn). Starting this series with a Mystical Event (based on experiences shared by many who have partaken it in the past) that took place in Sabarimala – The Ashtamangala Devaprashnam. While the focus of this piece is not to explain or defend the practice (I am a non-entity to write a commentary on much revered Prasna Marga, leave alone Deva Prashna which is altogether a different realm. It is to highlight the findings which got published in various media way back in June 2018 (that is 2 months before the disaster struck Kerala). Point is not even that, why selectively some recommendations (that got material or pecuniary benefit to some) got accepted and implemented in a jiffy but that which (with benefit of hindisight) affected much larger population were not even deemed worthy of a look-in

The Devaprashnam was primarily called for, because of the incident where an Elephant carrying the Idol from Sannidhanam to Arattu Kadavu ran amok injuing a few pilgrims and setting panic. (Manorama News Report below)

The Devaprashnam was delayed and held only in June 2018, because of passing away of Tantri Kandararu Maheshwararu.

Here is the article published in June 2018 Edition of “Sree Ayyappan” official monthly of Akhila Bharatha Ayyapa Seva Sangham on the findings of the Devaprashnam.

The one below is another clipping I recieved on Whatsapp from a friend

There was a Television report telecast (according to information given to me) on June 18th 2018, where the findings and warning about disasters in Pamba was mentioned.

Credit: TV Janam

Summary of the findings and remedies (from the Sree Ayyappan Magazine)

The changes that has been brought in the rituals is not to the liking of the Lord Ayyappa. The 5 day Ezhunallathu ritual (Procession) done after Makara Vilakku for Malikapurattamma has deviated a lot. There is a displeasure seen in Lord for discontinuing the practice of using Elephant for this ezhunallathu during the Makara (Jan-Feb) month. If there has been trouble with Elephant, the remedy is not to discontinue using Elephants for the rituals, but to determine the causes for the trouble. However use of Elephant in the Meena (March-April) month is not mandatory. The defects on the Thidambu (The idol carried on the Elephant during ceremonial processions) has to be rectified immediately. Lord is unhappy for discontinuing the use of accompanying Vaal (Sword) from the ceremonial proceedings. This is an essential accessory for the Ezhunallathu.

Blocking the vision of Lord Ayyappa is the Shelter built on top of 18 Holy steps. This has to be rectified immediately. Ponnambalamedu has to be protected. Lot of shortcomings in the Naivedya also is seen. Along with Aravana, even Milk payasam has to be offered on all days. The night puja before Lord retires for resting, has to essentially have Paalpayasam as naivedya along with Tambula puja. The Tila Payasam (Sesame seed Payasam) which is currently only offered on Saturdays has to be done everyday. Ensure purity of all offerings including Sandal paste. Newly built Bhasma Kulam has no natural flow. It has to be rebuilt. ತ

Sharamkutti has been moved from its original place and is rendered impure. Vandiperiyar Subramanya Swamy temple which is closely associated with Sabarimala is totally neglected, which needs to be remedied. It is also seen that some Vaishnava temple has been destroyed which needs to be recovered and restored. Change of Kochukadutta Swamy temple also is not to Lord’s liking. Nagaraja or Snake that has a lot of significance in Sabarimala has seen some killings of snakes. Similarly, there has been killing of cow, to be remedied by building a Goshala and protect them.

Sri Rama Padam in Pamba Triveni has to be protected. There is Bhadrakali in Pamba. The change that has happened in the location where Guruthi (Symbolic blood offering to represent Vitality) has been reason for lot of repercussions.

Malikappuratamma also has to be given equal importance as in Sabarimala. THERE IS A POSSIBILITY OF A CALAMITY IN PAMBA

TV Janam reports over and above that Kandararu Maheswararu, who expired in May, died out of pain due to removal of Mohanaru as Sabarimala thantri over a scandal. It was found the cause for the demise of the thantri was due to son Kandararu Mohanaru’s misfortunes. Rectification of the senior thantri’s cause of worry was needed.

Translation of the picture that has point to point findings.

Location of the Temple doesn’t indicate any fault

Likelihood of land related disputes against Sabarimala for which some Prayaschitta (Atonement measures) have to be undertaken

Increase Naivedyam (offerings) to Lord Ganapathi

Need to give attention to satiating Lord Ganapathi which is ignored at this time

The second installation of Lord Ganapathi in front of Homa Kunda (Sacrificial Fire place) has to be moved to appropriate location, installed and regular Puja and Abhishekham to be performed

Tantri (Vedic and Spiritual Head who decides on the Primary and core rituals and practices in a Temple) and Melshanti (Chief Priest) who currently reside within the compound of the Main Temple complex have to be moved out and located outside the compound walls.

All the priests including Chief Priest should be given Orientation classes every year by Tantri on the rituals, traditions and practices.

Kalabam (Sandal Paste) Abhishekam is not part of the Temple tradition. Since it is being done, ensure it is done the right way.

As per the signs emerging, Lord Ayyappa is not getting comfortable and adequate rest. Tantri has to find a remedy for this.

The doors of the Sanctum Sanctorum doesn’t close properly, this needs to be addressed on priority and changed at the earliest

Many such defects on the structures outside the temples needs to be fixed too

Most problems would be solved, just by proper worship of Lord Ayyappa

Priests, Security and Police have not been noble and have been faulty through their deeds and words. This has to be remedied

One of the primary reasons for these problems is misbehaviour with the devotees and pilgrims. Staff who are related to pilgrim management or interaction should be given proper training

We can see signs that there is concerted efforts by various organization to defame Ayyappa Temple. Remedial (Parihaara) and Atonement (Prayaschitta) actions would help us to hear Good news in this regard.

Lord is being used as a means of conducting business. This has to be stopped.

Do not indicate in any forms sponsors inside the temple premises.

THE DAIVAJNAS (ASTROLOGERS ASKING QUESTIONS) SEE IMPENDING CALAMITY IN PAMBA

Proper puja and Naivedya (Divine Offering) to be performed in Ganapathi temple in Pamba

Mahamrutjunajaya Homam to be performed every month in Sabarimala. This has to be done for one year.

The rivalry between Alangad and Ambalapuzha petta thullal teams is not being liked by Lord Ayyappa. This is easy to be remedied. (For more reading about the ritualistic significance of these two teams, click HERE)

Bhasmakulam (The temple pond in Sannidhanam) has to be rebuilt.

Lord Ayyappa wants a part of the revenue to be earmarked for the needy.

The current Devaswom board has the will to issue orders to the Management committee.

It is so difficult to write a new different blog when things are just the same even today, as it was on the first day you entered into our lives. Yes. It was not just me, everything in my cosy big world was affected just by your unannounced, unplanned (for us) entry and I just have to thank the Divine who laid out a perfect plan for it.

Back to the challenge of writing something new each time, I thought the best thing to do differently was to listen to a few friends of mine who suggested to publish this blog on the actual arrival day not as per the Julian calendar but as per our Panchanga.

She was treated to a surprise Birthday celebration in her classmate’s home in Mysuru where we were holidaying on her English Calendar Birthday. What better surprise and gift can she ever get than spending it with her friend with whom she grew up, studied together and stayed in touch for years thereafter – a special friend of more than 45 years!!! Why not? She deserves every bit of adulation, since she is the cause of celebration that our lives is

So here we go for the special one on the special day (it is special more for us while you think it is just another day in the calendar – Hindu or Julian) – not a coincidence that it was Solar Eclipse in parts of the world, but it was a shining bright unadulterated sunny/rainy day for me and many around you.

As some wise man once said, “men look at themselves in the mirror and see things much better than they really are, while women look in the mirror and see things much worse than they really are”. While it is a known fact that I was not a magnificent being when she married me (and even today), when I look at her, I still see the stunning beauty both inner and outlier – Since she has made each one of us feel so beautiful and nice, it only confirms what our Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar ji of Art of Living says, “you can only give to the world what you have in abundance.

Thanks my dear one for being you. I am sure our priciest possessions, Divya and Vishnu would not feel any different, nor would anyone in our extended family. In unison all would agree you are the best that happened in our lives.

Here is the surprise cake from the Children to celebrate her presence in our lives.

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A lot happened in just 48 hours that Minister for External Affairs Ms Sushma Swaraj returned from her tour abroad. Starting with a major goof up by avoidable intervention in respect of Issuing a Passport to a couple (wrongly called Inter-faith couple), and punishing a honest officer who did his job diligently, pointing out to glaring discrepancies (could easily be a security issue in wrong hands). When called out by Tweeps, she resorted to playing Victim by focusing on some abusive handles (miniscule numbers) but overlooking a far larger no of tweeps raising legitimate questions in more civil manner than her response just to divert the major goof up. It was juvenile response from a Senior Minister of her standing, to say the least. Firstly, dangerously concedes that she has no clue what happens in her ministry during her absence – Leadership? And then like a Nursery School spat, “Liking”/ RTing abusive tweets along with ardent supporters civil but legitimate questions.

(Click on the picture below for original tweet, which is available at the time of writing this piece)

She compromised publicly strong advocates of the Government and supporter clubbing them with abusive handles in her unique way – blocking some of them – unblocking known Anti-Government baiters. No one but her know what this weird approach sought to achieve. You can read experience of one of the affected tweep, Shefali Vaidya in this piece

It was downhill ever since. To justify whatever nonsensical procedural lapses happened, she embarked on even more ridiculous exercise in the name of easing the procedures of applying for a passport. Probably not related but timing makes the whole exercise suspect. Two things were in gross violation by the said applicant and both surprisingly are the issues that finds a work-around in the new policy she announced.

A brief background (details are here and here) of the case to help you place it in perspective: One Tanvi Seth (@TanviAnas on Twitter) and Shadiya Anas Siddiqui in various documents applied for passport in in PSK under Lucknow RPO. Reviewing Officer Mr Vikas Mishra upon perusal of documents sought endorsement of name as found in the documents submitted and the one she sought in the application – a legitimate requirement, in fact his job as an officer. And this lady goes ballistic trying to play minority card, female victimhood, crying so much that she choked to death almost, had to use inhaler blah blah, the Officer was abusive, asked husband to convert – All denied by the officer and the eyewitness. She took to Twitter to publicise and express her misplaced grievance – as as is her wont, things moved breakneck speed.

RPO tweets it will be enquired into, and next day with media in attendance RPO personally hands over the passport with no due processes followed and brazenly Tweets those pictures. Address was not verified which in retrospect was found wrong and in violation of the rules.

Nothing about this seem to be right. Tanvi Anas brought it upon herself with the help of a Muslim Journalist working with ToI as per her profile (Specifying Muslim, because her timeline on twitter was nothing to do with Journalism but all about Islam and Muslim people). To top it all, the officer who did his job honestly was shunted out. Furore on Twitter forced the authorities to do a post check on the application and Police Verification of address came back with an adverse report saying applicant did not stay in the address indicated and stayed in Noida. Rule clearly specifies that if the applicant was not resident in the address for the previous year, previous address also should be indicated. Also if there are any name changes or if applicant was known by any other names the same had to be indicated.

At the time of writing this, the status of her passport application and proceedings due to violation is not known. But the minister comes out with amendment to the process. Exactly covering both the above issues. It may not even be applicable retrospectively (but considering the cover up and damage control that is being done, we cannot rule this out) since rules that apply at the time of application applies, but hurried manner in which two of the rules were relaxed raises suspicions.

Address part is already covered by many on various forums. If the applicant has temporarily moved to a different location, application can still be submitted in a PSK or RPO closer to this temporary residence, but with actual address in the application. However, the address verification would be done in the address provided in the application (It sounds illogical, because in this scenario, the current location/address is not required at all) – Granting it is a convenience, let us discuss the next change.

In Minister’s words : “Married men and women complained that their marriage certificates are required at passport office, we scrapped the rule. Some divorced women complained that they are required to fill the name of ex-husband and their children of their estranged father. So we changed the rule,”

Now the risks/gaps in this process. In case of renewal/reissue currently there are documentary evidences that are called for in case of name changes or changes in entry of spouse names:

Changes to Spouse names in the new passport due to following reasons

Entering Spouse name due to marriage (Addition of Spouse name)

Change/Delete Spouse name in the event of:

Divorce (spouse name to be deleted)

Remarriage (current spouse name delete and new spouse name to be added)

Death of Spouse (spouse name to be deleted)

At the time of writing this piece, documentation requirements are listed here (screenshot of the same is reproduced too)

As clear from the same, it called for producing Attested copies of Marriage Certificate, Divorce Decree, Remarriage or Death Certificate as the case maybe. Now as per the changes announced in the Press conference, you can simply add, change or delete for the same without any documentary evidence and will be accepted as true in good faith? Has the legal implication of this thought through? It can end up in legal complication since parties end up in possession of a Legally acceptable Identity and relationshipdocument. What if some applicant falsely gets a spouse name entered in the passport or legitimate spouse name deleted and claim relationship? Also, these documents provided additional assistance for law enforcement authorities to trace criminals or those on the run. If it can be allowed in this case, why seek evidences for Date of Birth or Address. Accept that in good faith too. Excerpt of the FAQ available on the Official website

At the time of writing despite a mail and tweet sent to Passport authorities, there was no clarification received. Will update as and when it is received.

Without addressing these concerns, thoughtless changes under the guise of Reforms or easing processes is DANGEROUS!

Update-1

Honb’le EA Minister’s Private Secretary was very well in the loop and all actions taken were after Sri Vijay Dwivedi marked Dr Mulay. Did Secretary act independently without concurrence of the EAM? I am also attaching the tweet thread (where one anonymous tweep even threatens of campaign, even before the truth surfaced) He has not responded to any tweets after the truth emerged.

Update-2

(As expected, RPO Bengaluru – one of the best and most responsive Passport Offices in the Country clarifies). Click on the image for source tweet (if it is still available)

As feared, this indeed is waived off. Hence anyone can claim and make changes to entry under spouse name without any documentary backup. There are lot of legal implications in this change. Succession right, Property rights etc – Even without the named person knowing someone could have declared that person as a spouse and offer these documents as evidence. It may be proven wrong in court, but imagine the grind one has to go through